Changing the theme of the call on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a choice of melody, but the ability to completely transform the interface of the incoming call: from animation and background to vibration and sound effects. Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the process can be different — somewhere the options are hidden in the depth of the settings, and somewhere available in two clicks. This article covers all the current methods, from standard tools to hidden chips and third-party applications.
It is important to understand that the Xiaomi call theme includes several elements:
- 🎵 Call melody – an audio file that is played when an incoming call is made.
- 🎨 Appearance – background, animation and display style of the number / contact.
- 📱 System sounds – notification signals, vibration, dialing sounds.
Newer versions of MIUI 14 have support for dynamic themes with Always-On Display (AOD) effects that sync with the melody, and POCO and Redmi with Android 13+ have additional settings through Themes and Sounds.
If you want to not just change the ringtone, but create a unique style for each contact or even for different people. SIM-Read more about the maps. We'll take them apart:
- 🔧 Standard settings MIUI (rootless and third-party applications).
- 🎛️ Hidden functions through hardware testing (CIT).
- 📲 Apps from Google Play for advanced customization.
- ⚙️ Solving problems if the topic is not applied or reset.
1. Standard change of the call theme through MIUI settings
The easiest way is to use the built-in shell tools. In MIUI 14, the path to settings has changed slightly from MIUI 12/13, but the logic has remained the same. Here's the step-by-step instruction:
Open the Settings app and go to the Sounds and Vibrations section, and here you need two sub-items:
- 🔊 Call melody – Selecting an audio file for incoming calls.
- 🎨 Topics - changing the visual design of the call screen.
To change the tune, tap the Call Melody, then select one of the standard options or click Local Melodies to download your file (.mp3,.m4a,.wav formats).
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If your file doesn’t appear in the list, put it in the Ringtones folder on your internal drive or SD-map.
To change the visual theme, go back to Settings → Themes.
- 🌌 Standard themes (with animation preview).
- 🎨 Customization – changing color, background and fonts.
- 📥 Download themes from the official Xiaomi Themes store.
Please note: on some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) the Call Theme option can be hidden in Additional Settings → Personalization.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone
Download your favorite tunes in advance (max. file size – 5 MB)
Make sure the phone is not in power saving mode (can block the use of themes)
Backup your current settings in Settings → Additionally. → Backup-->
2. Separate topics for SIM-maps and contacts
If your Xiaomi supports two of your SIM-Cards (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ Or Xiaomi 13 Lite, you can assign different tunes and themes to each one.
To adjust individual parameters:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose the right one. SIM-map, SIM 1).
- Slip the ringtone and select a unique sound.
- For a visual theme, go back to Settings → Themes → Theme Customization and select the option Different Themes for SIM (not available on all models).
For individual contacts, the process is even easier:
- Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
- Click Edit (pencil icon).
- Scroll down to the Call Melody section and assign a unique sound.
On MIUI 14, you can also select a color theme for the call screen (if the contact is saved to the photo, it will be used as a background).
How to assign a theme to unknown numbers?
3. Hidden settings via CIT (hardware testing)
For advanced users, Xiaomi has provided a hidden CIT (Check-In Test) menu where you can configure options that are not available in the standard interface, for example, here you can change system calls that are not edited through the usual settings.
To open CIT:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the code ##4636##
- Choose Hardware Testing.
- Go to Audio or Sound.
Here you will find additional options:
- 🔊 Ring Volume – Adjusting the volume of the call beyond the standard limits.
- 🎶 Ring Tone – a selection of system tunes not displayed in the main settings.
- 📳 Vibration Pattern – Vibration customization (e.g., intermittent or wavy mode).
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Changes to CIT apply immediately, but can reset after rebooting. To save settings, write down selected settings or take a screenshot.
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If ##4636### doesn’t work, try an alternative way: download the Activity Launcher app from Google Play, search for com.android.settings.TestingSettings and run CIT from there.
4. Third-party applications for customization
If the built-in MIUI options aren't enough, you can use apps from Google Play.
- 🎵 Install MP3-files of any length as a melody (bypassing the limitations) MIUI 30 seconds).
- 🎨 Change the background of the call screen to any image or gif.
- 🔔 Separate profiles for work/personal calls.
Top.-3 tested applications:
| Annex | Functions | Compatibility | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zedge | Melodies, wallpaper, notifications. There's a section specifically for Xiaomi. | MIUI 12-14, Android 10+ | The commercial is free. |
| Ringtones for Xiaomi | More than 1,000 tunes optimized for MIUI. | All Redmi/POCO/Xiaomi models | There is no customization of the visual theme. |
| Call Screen Themes | Animations, backgrounds, effects for the call screen. | Android 11+ requires permission to overlay | It can be a problem with Always-On Display. |
To set the melody through Zedge:
- Download and install the app.
- In the Ringtones section, find your favorite sound and click Set as ringtone.
- Select Phone ringtone (for inboxes) or Notification sound (for notifications).
- Confirm the choice – the melody will automatically apply in the MIUI settings.
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Some apps (like Call Screen Themes) require permission to display on top of other windows. To enable it, go to Settings → Apps → Special Permissions → Display on top of other windows.
5. Problems and solutions
Sometimes, when the subject of the call is changed, it's not applied or reset, and here are the most common reasons and ways to address them:
Problem 1: The melody is reset after the reboot.
- 🔹 Reason: The melody file is stored on SD-card that is disabled when rebooting.
- 🔧 Solution: Move the file to internal memory in the Ringtones or Notifications folder.
Problem 2:
Xiaomi Themes
- 🔹 Reason: No Internet connection or Xiaomi server temporarily unavailable.
- 🔧 Solution: Switch to mobile data or connect to another Wi-Fi network. Also check if Auto Update Themes are enabled in your Mi Account settings.
Problem 3:
- 🔹 Reason: Sound and vibration settings disabled Vibration when calling or Do not disturb mode activated.
- 🔧 Solution: Check the settings in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Vibration when calling. Also make sure that no disturb mode allows calls (Settings) → Notifications → Don't disturb. → Allow calls).
What if the call screen is down after changing the topic?
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi 9A) post-update MIUI 14 This is due to Xiaomi’s security policy, to circumvent the restriction, use a file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager) and manually move the audio file to the system folder. /system/media/audio/ringtones (Root rights are required).
6. Additional chips: dynamic themes and AOD
On smartphones Xiaomi with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro) dynamic call themes are available that sync with Always-On Display (AOD). For example, if you chose the Ocean theme, then when an incoming call is made, waves will be displayed on the screen, and in mode AOD — surf-animation.
To activate this function:
- Make sure you have AOD enabled: Settings → Screen → Always-On Display.
- Select a dynamic theme in Settings → Themes → Dynamic.
- In the theme settings, enable the Sync with AOD option.
The POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T also have interactive themes that respond to the touch of the screen during a call (e.g., change color or animation).
⚠️ Attention: Dynamic themes and AOD If you notice that the phone is running out faster, turn off these functions in Settings. → Battery → Optimize consumption or reduce display time AOD 10 seconds.
On models with a chip Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K60 Ultra) available exclusive function AI Call Theme, which automatically selects the theme of the call to the mood of the subscriber based on the analysis of his voice (requires a Mi Account and enabled synchronization).